| This introduction to Wicca has been written to | | | | the year in the 8 Wiccan festivals. |
| give you a basic overview to some of the main, | | | | There are other Gods and Goddesses but too |
| key areas of the Wiccan way of life. It is not a | | | | many to be included in a basic introduction to |
| comprehensive guide but this is in part down to | | | | Wicca. But many Wiccans permanently identify |
| the fact that no such thing could truly exist. Wicca | | | | with a particular deity, while others will call upon a |
| is personal, flexible and all encompassing - no two | | | | God or Goddess with the relevant powers for |
| Wiccans celebrate their faith in exactly the same | | | | their particular spell only. Some choose not to do |
| way but all are accepted. To the beginner | | | | either! |
| however, this can only add to the confusion over | | | | The Wiccan Rede and the Three fold law |
| where to start! So this introduction to Wicca | | | | Due to the fact the some people associate dark |
| should give you an idea of the general feel of this | | | | practices with Wicca, I feel an introduction to |
| spiritual choice and hopefully get you started on a | | | | Wicca should include 2 of its central points. There |
| magical journey of discovery. | | | | are virtually no rules to Wicca and this is the |
| Witchcraft | | | | beauty of it to many of its followers. However, |
| Wicca is a neopagan form of witchcraft. Due to | | | | an introduction to Wicca should include the basic |
| the stigma that is attached to the word 'witch' | | | | principle that should be at the heart of all of your |
| (built over centuries from persecution and | | | | work, worshipping and beliefs. The Wiccan Rede |
| distortion of the reality) the term Wicca was | | | | states "An ye harm none, do as you will". It's a |
| preferred in modern times. The degree to how | | | | simple message stating that you are free to do |
| much you adhere to the ancient ways is a matter | | | | as you wish so long as you do not cause harm or |
| of choice and there is much confusion as to how | | | | aim to hurt anyone. |
| much we know of the original ways anyway. | | | | This is not just a matter for your conscience |
| Many are happy to follow a modern, up-dated | | | | though. The three fold law states that expended |
| faith, safe in the knowledge that it's in keeping | | | | energy will rebound but three times as powerful. |
| with the original values. An example of this would | | | | This is of course good if your kindness is returned |
| be that most Wiccans write spells in the modern | | | | to you in this way, but if your intentions are |
| tongue. This is because it is easier for us to | | | | harmful and negative, please think through the |
| understand and therefore the energies we can | | | | consequences. |
| create are more powerful as a result. At the | | | | Casting Spells |
| same time, the spirits of the universal elements | | | | When seeking an introduction to Wicca, many are |
| that our forbearers called upon many years ago | | | | in fact just intrigued by spell casting! However, |
| are still central so it is a balance. | | | | spells are not essential to all Wiccans but for |
| The 5 Universal Elements | | | | those that do include them in their lifestyle, it is |
| No introduction to Wicca could fail to mention the | | | | part of honouring and respecting the world around |
| universal elements of fire, air, water, earth and | | | | us rather than attempting to create miracles. |
| spirit. These are the universal elements that go to | | | | Casting a spell is an emotional response and |
| make up the recognisable Wiccan symbol of the | | | | requires an appreciation of the energies that exist |
| pentacle. Within these elements are the spirits of | | | | in the natural universe, to be able to feel them |
| the universe's power and Wiccans look to these | | | | shift and to move with them. |
| powers as part of their rituals, to complement | | | | It is always best to start off with something |
| their spell work or as part of their festivals. It is a | | | | simple and to try to master this before moving |
| celebration of the natural world and the power we | | | | on to anything more complex. You're also likely to |
| can create by being in harmony and at one with | | | | start off with something written by another but I |
| it. | | | | find that your own spells, including those adapted |
| Male/Female & Gods/Goddesses | | | | by you for your needs, are the most affective. |
| Wiccans believe that energies are both male and | | | | But finding the right combinations of natural |
| female - separate in their identities, powerful in | | | | ingredients, tools that you can connect with and |
| their union. They are honoured equally. The twin | | | | finding the right words to help you tune into the |
| deities of the God and Goddess are represented | | | | right spirits and powers both within and around |
| in many ways and forms but are central to the | | | | you is, for many, one of the most life affirming |
| Wheel of Life, a cycle that is in tune with the | | | | aspects of Wicca. |
| seasons. The Goddess gives birth to the God, | | | | I hope this brief introduction to Wicca has given |
| who grows as she rests. When the God is fully | | | | you enough information to whet your appetite |
| grown, he and the Goddess then fall in love and | | | | and motivate you to go and learn more about this |
| she then becomes pregnant. As she grows with | | | | wonderful and enlightening way of life. It just |
| child, The God wanes and dies only to be reborn | | | | remains to be said, blessed be to you and |
| again. These stages are all celebrated throughout | | | | welcome! |